Choice of retention systems for Maxillofacial Prostheses among dental professionals in Pondicherry–A Cross sectional study

Abstract

Background: Maxillofacial prostheses (MFP)are a boon to the severely debilitated patients affected with congenital defects, trauma or tumor in the facial region where reconstruction of lost structures is impossible by surgical intervention. Increasing the retention of the prostheses with various retention aids provides both ease of use and acceptance by the patient. However, choice of retention system for a particular patient often is not given much importance due to lack of adequate knowledge (with regards to indications, types and selection of clinically suitable retention systems) by the dental professionals. Hence the aim of this study was to assess the choice based on knowledge, attitude and practice regarding retention systems for MFP among dental professionals in Pondicherry.

Aim: To assess the Knowledge, attitude and practice among dental professionals regarding retention systems for Maxillofacial Prostheses in Puducherry.

Materials and methods: The URLs of the online questionnaire were shared via e-mail to dental practitioners of Pondicherry which focused on knowledge, attitude and practice of retention systems in MFP.

Statistical analysis was done using counts and percentages and the results were further analyzed statistically by the ANOVA test.

Results: It was found that majority of the dental practitioners were not aware about aspects of retention systems for Maxillofacial Prosthesis.

Conclusion: The choice of various retention systems in treatment planning for maxillofacial prostheses differed with regard to the participants, field of expertise and work environment. The lack of knowledge among the dental practitioners can be improved by continuing dental education programs highlighting awareness about MFP and retention systems.